The full form of IRC is Internet Relay Chat.
IRC is a text-based chat system used for instant messaging, designed primarily for group communication in discussion forums known as channels. However, it also allows for one-on-one private messages, as well as chat and data transfer, including file sharing. Think of it as an early form of modern chat applications, predating widespread adoption of graphical user interfaces for online communication.
While not as widely used as it once was, IRC remains a popular platform for certain communities, particularly within the open-source software and technical fields. Its lightweight nature and decentralized architecture contribute to its enduring appeal.
